[Two limited Edition Holiday 2014 Looks; images courtesy of Paintbox]
By mid-November, it had come to pass that there wasn’t a work-related fashion or beauty event that I had attended in which Paintbox didn’t come up. “Is your manicure from Paintbox? OMG- LOVE!” seemed to be a prevalent phrase, and even at the beginning of my first appointment at the salon, I understand why Paintbox has stood out from the rest, particularly when it’s under a year in existence.
For starters, the vibe and decor in the ultra hip Soho location is completely different than any other nail place I’ve patronized. It possesses a well-designed, austere yet inviting home, rather than a nail salon, and it’s obvious that everything has been carefully considered, from the bookshelf holding the nail looks of the season to the lamps, banquettes, and natural light streaming into the space that comprises an intimate and warm feeling.
[Where the magic (manicure) happens at Paintbox]
The reason why someone would frequent Paintbox, however, is for the manicures and more specifically, nail art. Paintbox is manicures, only, and although you could go for a straightforward gel or polish mani, I can promise you that it will be hard to resist the menu, chock-full of on-trend designs. You can also mix two, which I did on my first visit, with the chance to have your freshly minted nails documented via a “mani cam” photo to share via email or on social media.
My mani itself was exquisite, in that my manicurist, Yuko, took her time to make sure my hands, nails, and cuticles were in tip top shape before proceeding with the polish. She patiently applied the polish hues and foil accents to my digits with the utmost care and interest, resulting in a stunning look that is sure to be a conversation starter.
If you also find yourself yearning to try Paintbox, see the site for a price list, and you can easily book a manicure online or gift one to a friend!
Full Disclosure: I received my manicure courtesy of Paintbox.
